Brief communication: Comparison of the performance of thermistors and digital temperature sensors in a mountain permafrost borehole

Abstract

Monitoring mountain-permafrost temperatures in boreholes is challenging regarding the resilience and long-term temperature stability of the sensor systems. Whilst resistance thermistors boast a high accuracy, they are prone to drift when exposed to moisture, pressure or cable strain. Supplementing or replacing them with digital bandgap temperature sensors requires careful analysis of the sensor performance. We carry out a first comparison of two temperature sensor systems under field conditions in mountain permafrost at 15 identical depths in 1 borehole. Temperature values, sensing delays and noise levels are compared and discussed.